Optimization for priority-based network identifier scans

ABSTRACT

Battery life of a user equipment (UE) can be extended when the UE is roaming internationally in a country that has multiple carrier networks each utilizing multiple public land mobile network (PLMN) identifiers. Scan control tables, stored in a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) of the UE, are populated with the identifiers of a PLMN having the highest priority in a defined area (e.g., Circle). A roaming control applet of the UICC can compare serving cell data with the scan control tables to determine if the UE is to perform a higher priority (HP) PLMN search. Utilization of the scan control table avoids unnecessary searches for HPPLMNs that are unavailable in the UE&#39;s current location and accordingly extends battery life of the UE.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications, e.g.,optimization for priority-based network identifier scans.

BACKGROUND

Battery life of a device is a key factor for customers, e.g., when theyare deciding on which device to purchase. Additionally, a roamingfootprint of the device plays another part in a potential customer'schoice, e.g., if the customer is a global traveler. The battery life ofa device is affected by various factors, such as (i) a radio accessnetwork (RAN) setting of a visited carrier, (ii) device configuration,and/or (iii) data stored within a subscriber identity module (SIM) cardof the device. As an example, the data stored within the SIM card candictate for which carriers to search and/or their priorities.

Standards defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) statethat, when a device is roaming, the device shall periodically performpublic land mobile network (PLMN) searches for higher priority PLMNsbelonging to the same serving country. When in automatic mode, searchparameters are defined by a preferred PLMN list stored on a SIM (oruniversal SIM (USIM)) application, for example, universal integratedcircuit card (UICC). In most cellular network deployments, a carriertypically uses a single PLMN identifier (ID) nationwide; however, insome cases, a carrier can utilize multiple PLMN IDs for different areaswithin the country. India is an example of the latter. In the case ofIndia, each carrier offers service in a number of different states(called “Circles”) but the PLMN ID for the same carrier in differentcircles is different for the different circles, i.e., the differentcircles do not use a single PLMN ID. In such a scenario, periodicrescans for higher priority PLMNs that may not exist in a particulararea, result in a poor user experience and degraded battery life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that conserves battery life of auser equipment (UE) that is roaming in a country that has carriernetworks that utilize multiple network identifiers.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system for controlling high prioritypublic land mobile network (HPPLMN) searches in visitor networks.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example carrier deployment model, whereincarriers utilize multiple network identifiers within a country.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example HPPLMN scan scenario, according to anaspect of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example table for configuring a scan control data,according to an aspect of the subject specification.

FIG. 6 illustrate an example method that facilitates providing, to a UEcoupled to a visitor network, information that is employable to controlsearches for higher priority network identifiers.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method that facilitates configuration of ascan control table.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method that facilitates controlling afrequency of network identifier scans in a visitor priority public landmobile network (VPLMN).

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method that controls HPPLMN searches in aVPLMN.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate example flow diagrams for controlling HPPLMNsearches in visitor networks.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example block diagram of a user equipmentsuitable for controlling HPPLMN scans to conserve battery life.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed communication architecture.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a computing environmentin accordance with the subject specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details, e.g., without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitatedescribing the embodiments in additional detail.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”“interface,” “node,” “platform,” “server,” “controller,” “entity,”“element,” “gateway,” or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution or an entity related to anoperational machine with one or more specific functionalities. Forexample, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, computer-executable instruction(s), a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acontroller and the controller can be a component. One or more componentsmay reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a componentmay be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. As another example, an interface can comprise input/output(I/O) components as well as associated processor, application, and/orAPI components.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. An article of manufacture canencompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice or computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,computer readable storage media can comprise but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick,key drive, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),etc.). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize manymodifications can be made to this configuration without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to meanan inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” and similar terminology, refer to a wired or wirelesscommunication-capable device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wiredor wireless communication service to receive or convey data, control,voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably inthe subject specification and related drawings. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. Further, the terms“user,” “subscriber,” “consumer,” “customer,” and the like are employedinterchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless contextwarrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth. Further, theterms “carrier network,” “carrier,” and the like are utilizedinterchangeably in the subject specification and related drawings andrefer to network deployed by a communication service provider, forexample, a cellular or telecommunications service provider, mobilenetwork operator, wireless carrier, etc.

Aspects or features of the disclosed subject matter can be exploited insubstantially any wired or wireless communication technology; e.g.,universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), Wi-Fi, worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), general packet radioservice (GPRS), enhanced GPRS, third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),Zigbee, or another IEEE 802.XX technology, fifth generation (5G),narrowband (NB), etc. Additionally, substantially all aspects of thedisclosed subject matter can be exploited in legacy (e.g., wireline)telecommunication technologies.

In one aspect, the subject disclosure relates to a system, comprising: aprocessor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising determining scan control data that comprises informationrepresenting a group of the different network identifiers, wherein thegroup of the different network identifiers comprises a networkidentifier having a highest rank within a portion of the differentportions in response to determining that the user equipment is roamingwithin an area where visitor network devices of visitor networks utilizedifferent network identifiers in different portions of the area.Further, the operations comprise based on the scan control data,controlling a frequency of scans for a target cell identifier of thedifferent network identifiers that has a higher rank than that of aserving cell identifier of the different network identifiers.

Further, another aspect of the subject disclosure relates to a method,comprising determining, by a system comprising a processor, that a userequipment has registered with a visitor network device of a visitornetwork of visitor networks deployed in a country that utilize multiplenetwork identifiers nationwide. Further, the method comprises inresponse to the determining, facilitating, by the system, a transmissionof scan control data to the user equipment, wherein the scan controldata is employable to control a frequency of searches, performed by theuser equipment, for detecting a first network identifier of the multiplenetwork identifiers that has been assigned a higher priority than asecond network identifier of the multiple network identifiers that isassociated with a cell serving the user equipment.

In yet another aspect, the subject disclosure relates to amachine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructionsthat, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising receiving priority data indicative of a rankingof network identifiers of visitor carrier networks, wherein the prioritydata is employable to couple the user equipment with a first accesspoint device associated with a first identifier of the networkidentifiers that is determined to have a first ranking that satisfies adefined criterion; and receiving scan control data that is employable todisable scanning for a signal from a second access point deviceassociated with a second identifier of the network identifiers that isdetermined to have a second ranking that is higher than the firstranking.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there illustrated is an example system100 that conserves battery life of a user equipment (UE) that is roamingin a country that deploys carrier networks that utilize multiple networkidentifiers (e.g., mobile network codes (MNCs) and/or public land mobilenetwork (PLMN) identifiers), according to one or more aspects of thedisclosed subject matter. The battery life of a UE plays a significantrole in user experience and/or satisfaction and is oftentimes animportant criterion for purchase (or lease) of a specific UE (e.g.,specific make and/or model). As the number of features and/orapplications installed on and/or performed by the UE grows, battery lifeis adversely affected. Moreover, users prefer UEs that can providelonger talk time and/or standby time. Thus, battery power management isincreasingly important to provide a positive consumer experience. In oneexample, the battery life can be extended by switching off componentsand/or changing an operating mode of the components (e.g., to a sleepmode) when the components are not being utilized. System 100 controlstiming and/or frequency of network identifier scans while UE 102 isroaming to increase the battery life of the UE 102. As an example, UE102 can comprise, but is not limited to most any consumer electronicdevices, for example, a tablet computer, a digital media player, adigital photo frame, a digital camera, a media player, a cellular phone,a personal computer, a smart television, a wearable device, a smartphone, a laptop, a gaming system, set top boxes, Internet of Thingsdevices, connected vehicles, at least partially automated vehicles(e.g., drones), etc.

Conventional telecommunication standards (e.g., third generationpartnership project (3GPP)) specify that in a VPLMN (visitor PLMN), thedevice (e.g., UE 102) shall perform periodic searches for higherpriority PLMNs (HPPLMN) of the same serving country. (See, e.g., 3GPP23.122, Section 4.4.3.3.1) In one example, the HPPLMN search is to beperformed periodically at a rate that is specified by data stored withina Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or Universal SIM card of the UE 102.As an example, the UE 102 can perform HPPLMN searches in multiples ofsix minutes (with the fastest rate being once every six minutes). Duringthe search, the UE 102 can measure power on all frequencies of all bandsthat it supports, synchronize to each frequency on which there isappreciable energy, and read the PLMN identification of a cell.Additionally or optionally, UE 102 can support multiple radio accesstechnologies (RATs) and can perform the search in all the RATs. Thisprocess can consume significant battery power. In example scenarioswhere higher priority PLMNs are not available in a particular area(e.g., since the network carrier uses different PLMN IDs in differentareas), the battery drain involved in the HPPLMN searches can besubstantial. Referring back to system 100, a home-network managementcomponent 104 can be employed to control the HPPLMN searches performedby the UE 102, while the UE 102 is roaming in a visitor network, thoughutilization of scan table(s) 106 and network ID list(s) 108 that aretransferred to the UE 102 via communication networks 110 (e.g., the UE102's home network). As an example, a scan table 106 can correspond to aspecific radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G,narrowband, etc.). It is noted that the subject disclosure is notlimited to tables and/or lists and most any data structure can beutilized to transfer and/or store information that is employed tocontrol the HPPLMN searches.

According to an embodiment, when UE 102 is roaming and registers with avisitor network, the home-network management component 104 can detectthe registration and transmit, to the UE 102, a prioritized/rankednetwork ID list(s) 108 (e.g., Operator Controlled PLMN) and scantable(s) 106 that are utilized by the UE 102 to control enabling and/ordisabling the HPPLMN searches by modifying the periodicity of thesearches according to the data within the scan control table(s) 106. Asan example, the UE 102 can store the scan table(s) 106 and network IDlist(s) 108 within a SIM (or USIM) card. In one aspect, the scantable(s) 106 comprises data, such as but not limited to, a singlelocation area code (LAC) and/or tracking area code (TAC) and/or arange(s) of LAC/TACs. As an example, the single LAC/TAC and/or range ofLAC/TACs are associated with network identifiers that have the highestpriority in a particular region (e.g., state). Accordingly, if a LAC/TACwithin the scan table(s) 106 is detected, the HPPLMN searches of the UE102 are disabled. Alternatively, if a LAC/TAC within the scan table(s)106 is not detected, the HPPLMN searchers of the UE 102 are enabled.

In one aspect, the UE 102 can read the received data (e.g., scantable(s) 106 and network ID list(s) 108) and can enable/disable HPPLMNscans based on comparing the serving cell information with the receiveddata (e.g., scan table(s) 106). In another aspect, a roaming controlapplet installed on the SIM (or USIM) card of the UE 102 receivesserving cell information from the UE 102, performs a comparison of theserving cell information with the received data (e.g., scan table(s)106), and based on a result of the comparison can enable/disable anHPPLMN scan. In this example scenario, the UE 102 is not aware of thescan control data (e.g., scan table(s) 106) and can enable and/ordisable the scans as instructed by the roaming control applet.

In one aspect, the scan table(s) 106 and/or network ID list(s) 108 canbe transferred individually to specific UEs (e.g., UE 102) at most anytime (e.g., when determined that the UE 102 is connected to a visitornetwork, when determined that the UE 102 is likely to travel to and/orconnect to a visitor network, etc.). Further, in yet another example,the scan table(s) 106 and/or network ID list(s) 108 can be pre-loadedonto the SIM card or USIM card of the UE 102 (e.g., duringmanufacturing). It is noted that updates to the scan table(s) 106 and/ornetwork ID list(s) 108 can be transmitted from the home-networkmanagement component 104 to the UE 102 at most any time, such as, butnot limited to, periodically, at a specified times, during an idle timeperiod, in response to determining that an event has occurred,on-demand, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there illustrated is an example system 200 forcontrolling HPPLMN searches in visitor networks, in accordance with anaspect of the subject disclosure. In one aspect, system 200 comprises UE102 that comprises functionality as more fully described herein, forexample, as described above with regard to system 100. UE 102 is 3GPPcompliant device that comprises a roaming control applet 202, forexample, installed by the device manufacturer on a Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC) 212.

In one aspect, the OTA data reception component 204 can receive (e.g.,from the home-network management component 104) roaming control data,such as, but not limited to, the scan table(s) 106, network ID list(s)108, preference data 206 (e.g., network selection policies, networkselection rules, network selection criteria, priority information,and/or various other parameters, etc.). In one example, the OTA datareception component 204 can receive the data in response to the UE 102connecting to and/or registering with a visitor network. It is notedthat the subject disclosure is not limited to receiving data in responseto the UE 102 connecting to and/or registering with the visitor network,but can receive the data (and/or updates to the data) at most any time.The OTA data reception component 204 can store the received data in datastore 208.

According to an aspect, a network scan control component 210 can utilizethe information stored in the data store 208 to manage scans (e.g.,determine whether to perform a HPPLMN scan) to detect a higher prioritynetwork. Specifically, the network scan control component 210 can enableor disable HPPLMN searches performed by the UE 102 by modifying theperiodicity of the searches based on a single LAC/TAC, a range(s) ofLAC/TACs, an entire PLMN, and/or on a specific access technology basis.In one aspect, the network scan control component 210 can configure,based on the information, a value of a periodic search timer thatcontrols a frequency of HPPLMN searches. For example, to enable theHPPLMN searches, the network scan control component 210 can set theperiodic search timer to “N” (wherein N is most any natural number).Accordingly, the HPPLMN searches are enabled with a periodicity of N*6minutes. In another example, to disable the HPPLMN searches, the networkscan control component 210 can set the periodic search timer to “0”.Accordingly, the HPPLMN searches are disabled regardless of the priorityof the serving PLMN (e.g., even though the serving PLMN may not have thehighest priority).

The periodic search timer does not affect the UE 102's ability toreselect between different RATs of the same PLMN. This can be controlledby the network's inter-RAT reselection parameters. In one aspect, thenetwork scan control component 210 can utilize scan control table(s) 106associated with respective RATs to control HPPLMN searches. As anexample, the scan control table(s) 106 defines the LAC/TAC, ranges ofLACs/TACs where the roaming control applet 202 is to disable searches.If the network scan control component 210 determines that the servingcell's LAC/TAC or PLMN is not listed within the one of the scan controltable(s) 106, the network scan control component 210 can enable theHPPLMN searches. Alternatively, if the serving cell's LAC/TAC or PLMN islisted within the one of the scan control table(s) 106, the network scancontrol component 210 can disable the HPPLMN searches.

According to an embodiment, the UE 102 sends serving cell data, such as,but not limited to, a serving PLMN, LAC/TAC, Cell ID, and/or serving RATmessages, to the roaming control applet 202, for example, via a SIMToolkit (STK) application programming interface (API). The roamingcontrol applet 202 (e.g., via the network scan control component 210)compares received serving cell data with a corresponding RAT scancontrol table 106. If the data (or portion of the data) is determined tomatch, the network scan control component 210 disables HPPLMN searches.Alternatively, if the data does not match, the network scan controlcomponent 210 enables HPPLMN searches. This process can be repeated ifthe UE 102 moves to a new cell and/or area.

It is noted that the data store 208 can comprise volatile memory(s) ornonvolatile memory(s), or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatilememory(s). Examples of suitable types of volatile and non-volatilememory are described below with reference to FIG. 12. The memory (e.g.,data stores, databases) of the subject systems and methods is intendedto comprise, without being limited to, these and any other suitabletypes of memory.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrates an example carrier deployment model 300, whereincarriers utilize multiple network identifiers within a country, inaccordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure. It is noted thatalthough model 300 depicts a map of India, the subject disclosure is notso limited and can be utilized in most any country (or region) whereincarrier networks utilize multiple network identifiers (e.g., Hong Kong,Latvia, etc.) In the case of India, even though several carriers aredeployed within the country, none of them has a nationwidefootprint—their deployment model is based on a regional approach.India's telecom regulatory body has divided the country into regionscalled “Circles” or “service areas.” The Circles are then broken downinto groups based on population size. For example, the “Metro” circle302 covers densely populated areas (e.g., large urban cities). Further,A Circle 304, B Circle 306, and C Circle 308 cover differentgeographical areas associated with different population sizes. Forexample, A Circle 304 can cover areas that are more populated than the BCircle, which can cover areas that are more populated than the C Circle.In general, each Circle roughly corresponds to a state with someexceptions (e.g., densely populated cities form their own circles(Metro) or less populated states can be combined together, or withlarger states, to form a circle). Each Circle can have one or morecarriers. According to an aspect, a network carrier can be assigneddifferent PLMN IDs within the different circles.

FIG. 3B depicts an example 3G map 350 of India, illustrating coveragemaps (352 ₁-352 ₆) for different carriers. As seen from FIG. 3B, thecarriers may not provide nationwide coverage but provide coverage withindifferent Circles. Each carrier can utilize different PLMN IDs withineach Circle as depicted in FIG. 3C. When a UE registers with a visitorcarrier within a country, such as India, the registration is detected bythe home carrier network (e.g., within another country, such as, USA)and a priority list 377 that ranks the different PLMN IDs and one ormore scan tables (e.g., scan tables 106) are sent to the UE. The examplePLMN list 377 (e.g., network ID list 108) can comprise a set of PLMN IDsutilized by the different carriers and their respective priorities. Forexample, the carrier “Aircel” utilizes PLMN IDs 404-800, 405-81, and404-41. However, as seen from 379, not all the PLMN IDs are availablewithin the same region. For example, PLMN ID 404-800 is broadcast onlyin Delhi, PLMN ID 405-81 is broadcast only in Andhra Pradesh andTelangana, while PLMN ID 404-41 is broadcast only in Chennai.Accordingly, not all of the higher priority PLMNs may be available atthe UE's current location. According to an embodiment, the UE canutilize the scan tables (e.g., scan table(s) 106 discussed in detailwith respect to herein, for example with respect to systems 100-200) toavoid searching for an HPPLMN that would not be available within theUE's current location.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there illustrated is an example HPPLMN scanscenario 400, according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. In oneaspect, when a UE registered with a home network in another country(e.g., USA) travels to India (or any other country/region that utilizesdifferent PLMN IDs within different coverage areas), the UE can receivean OTA message to update a file (e.g., OPLMNAcT file) stored within theUICC of the UE. In one example, the message comprises a ranked list ofPLMN IDs (e.g., ranked based on home service provider policies and/orservice agreements). Typically, the same ranked list sent to all roamingUEs regardless of where they first register in India.

Consider an example scenario, wherein a UE is located in the Delhi metrocircle and registers on Airtel ([11] 404-10). In this example scenario,at 402, the UE can periodically rescan and ultimately find a networkwith a higher priority (e.g., Aircel ([2] 404-800) as specified by thepriority list 377. Since this is not the highest priority Indian networkon the list 377, a conventional UE would continue to search for [1]404-90 (Airtel) (as depicted by the dotted lines and element 404).However, [1] 404-90 (Airtel) is not an available network at the UE'scurrent location and only available in a different geographical area(e.g., Circle). Conventional UEs perform an HPPLMN search frequently,for example, every 6 minutes, resulting in a significantly degradedbattery life of the UE.

In another example, scenario, consider a UE located in the state ofPunjab registers on Airtel ([9] 404-2). Conventionally, the UE willperiodically rescan searching for [1] 404-90 (Airtel) since it is not onits highest priority Indian network as specified by list 377. However,404-90 is not available in Punjab and is only available in a differentCircle (e.g., state of Maharashtra). These periodic rescans for networksthat are not available in the UE's current geographical location cansignificantly degrade its battery life. Referring to the example list377, when registered anywhere in India except in Maharashtra on Airtel([1] 404-90), conventional UEs would be in a state of constant periodichigher priority PLMN searches. In contrast, the UE disclosed herein(e.g., UE 102) avoids unnecessary scanning for unavailable and/ornon-existing networks by employing one or more RAT based scan tables(e.g., scan table(s) 106). According to an aspect, the one or more RATbased scan tables can be populated with highest priority preferred PLMNID of a carriers on a Circle (or other geographical area) basis. The UE102 comprises a roaming control applet 202 that controls the enablingand/or disabling of the HPPLMN searches by modifying the periodicity ofthe searches. As an example, each of the RAT based scan control tablesdefines a LAC/TAC and/or ranges of LACs/TACs where the roaming controlapplet 202 is to disable HPPLMN searches.

Referring back to FIG. 4 and continuing with the example scenario at402, wherein the UE 102 can periodically rescan and ultimately couple tothe Aircel network. The UE 102 can then provide serving cell data (e.g.,serving PLMN, LAC/TAC, Cell ID, and/or serving RAT messages) to theroaming control applet 202, which in turn can compare the serving celldata with the LAC/TAC and/or ranges of LACs/TACs specified within acorresponding RAT based scan control table. If the roaming controlapplet 202 determines that the serving cell LAC/TAC matches the LAC/TACand/or is within the ranges of LACs/TACs specified within thecorresponding RAT based scan control table, subsequent HPPLMN scans(e.g., a scan to detect Airtel ([1] 404-90) at 404) can be disabled.Alternatively, if the serving cell LAC/TAC does not match the LAC/TACand/or does not lie within the ranges of LACs/TACs specified within thecorresponding RAT based scan control table, subsequent HPPLMN scans canbe enabled and the UE 102 can continue to search for a HPPLMN.

As an example, if HPPLMN are to be disabled when the UE 102 is coupledto the [2] 405-800 2G and 3G Aircel network, but not on their LTEnetwork in Delhi, the RAT based scan control tables can be populated asfollows:

-   -   2G Scan Control Table=405-800-0000-FFFE    -   3G Scan Control Table=405-800-0000-FFFE    -   4G Scan Control Table=no entry        Where 0000 is a starting LAC/TAC value of the range and FFFE is        the ending LAC/TAC value of the range.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example table 500 for configuring a scan controldata (e.g., scan control table 106), according to an aspect of thesubject specification. In one aspect, scan control tables can bepopulated by a home network provider (and/or updated by the home networkprovider at most any time). This allows the home network providercontrol over visitor network selection by the UE (e.g., based onoperator policies and/or defined service agreements between the homenetwork provider and the visitor network provider(s)).

As depicted in table 500, scan control tables can be populated with thehighest priority preferred PLMN ID deployed in each Circle (or region).For example, Aircel 405-800, is the highest priority PLMN ID in theDelhi metro, and thus, the PLMN ID (405-800) can be entered into thescan table. In another example, Vodafone 404-27 is not the highestpriority PLMN ID in the state of Maharashtra (Airtel 404-90 being thehighest priority PLMN in Maharashtra). Accordingly, the PLMN ID forVodafone 404-27 is not entered within the scan control table to allowUEs to scan for and detect Airtel 404-90, which has a higher rank and isavailable in the state of Maharashtra.

In one aspect, for Circles that have a single preferred PLMN, the ID ofthe single preferred PLMN can be stored within the scan control table.In another aspect, for Circles that have multiple preferred PLMNs, theID of the PLMN having the highest priority can be stored within the scancontrol table.

It is noted that although the systems and methods disclosed hereinrelate to “Circles” that have utilize different PLMN IDs for a carrier,the subject system is not limited to “Circles” and can be withingeographical areas or regions of most any shape or size that utilizedifferent network IDs for a carrier. Further, it is noted that althoughthe subject systems and methods disclosed herein are described withrespect to visitor networks in India, the subject system is not limitedto India and can be utilized in any other country or region whereinmultiple network IDs are utilized for respective visiting networks. Inone aspect, the systems and methods disclosed herein can further beutilized in Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) carriers. As anexample, the UE's of the MVNO can be provided with scan control tables(e.g., scan control table 106) to prevent the UE's from searching fornon-existing and/or unavailable carriers (e.g., discontinued mobilenetwork codes (MNCs)). For example, even though the MNC range forCarrier A is is 310-150, following the acquisition of Carrier A byCarrier B, the UEs of Carrier A roam on a 310-410 network of Carrier B.The scan table(s) can be provided to the UEs, which in turn can utilizethe data within the scan table(s) to turn off HPPLMN scans when coupledto a 310-410 carrier. (e.g., since the 310-150 PLMN has beendiscontinued and is not being broadcast).

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate flow diagrams and/or methods in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter. For simplicity of explanation, the flowdiagrams and/or methods are depicted and described as a series of acts.It is to be understood and appreciated that the various embodiments arenot limited by the acts illustrated and/or by the order of acts, forexample acts can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and withother acts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not allillustrated acts may be required to implement the flow diagrams and/ormethods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition,those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the methodscould alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated statesvia a state diagram or events. Additionally, it should be furtherappreciated that the methods disclosed hereinafter and throughout thisspecification are capable of being stored on an article of manufactureto facilitate transporting and transferring such methods to computers.The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended toencompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice or computer-readable storage/communications media.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there illustrated is an example method 600 thatfacilitates providing, to a UE coupled to a visitor network, informationthat is employable to control searches for higher priority networkidentifiers, according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. In anaspect, method 600 can be implemented (partially or completely) by oneor more network devices of the UE's home network. At 602, it can bedetermined that the UE has registered in a country (e.g., India) whereincarrier networks utilize multiple network identifiers (e.g., PLMNs). Forexample, a carrier networks can utilize different PLMNS (or ranges ofPLMNs) in different areas (e.g., Circles) within the country. At 604,priority list data and scan table data associated with the country canbe determined. For example, the priority list data can comprise a rankedlist of PLMN identifiers utilized by the different carriers. Further,the scan table data can comprise PLMN IDs of the preferred carriers thathave the highest rank within a specified area (e.g. Circle). In oneexample, the same priority list data and scan table data can be providedto all UEs that register with the visitor network. Alternatively, inanother example, the priority list data and scan table data can becustomized based on information, such as but not limited to, subscriberdata, payment plans, UE characteristics, historical trends, patterns,etc. At 606, the priority list data and scan table data can betransferred to aUICC of the UE via an OTA message. As an example, thedata is stored within a file on the SIM/USIM (and/or update an existingfile on the SIM/USIM with the priority list data and scan table data).In one aspect, the scan table data can be utilized to controlpriority-based network identifier searches performed by the UE whileroaming within the country.

I added FIGS. 13a and 13b to show how the roaming control applet works.FIG. 13a shows the case where the applet needs to disable the scans andFIG. 13b shows the case where the applet needs to re-enable the scans

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 that facilitates configurationof a scan control table, according to an aspect of the subjectdisclosure. In an aspect, method 700 can be implemented (partially orcompletely) by one or more network devices of a UE's home network. At702, priority list data indicative of a ranked list of PLMN IDs utilizedby visitor networks in a region (e.g., a country) is determined. As anexample, the ranking can be based on home network provider policiesand/or roaming service agreements between the home network provider andthe visitor network providers. At 704, geographical areas where the PLMNIDs are broadcast can be determined. In one aspect, the visitor networkscan broadcast different PLMN IDs in different areas (e.g., Circles). At706, a scan control table can be populated with PLMN IDs that have thehighest priority/rank within the respective geographical areas. Further,at 708, in response to determining that a UE is roaming within theregion, the scan control table can be transmitted to the UE (e.g., viaone or more OTA messages). In one aspect, the UE can utilize the scancontrol table to control HPPLMN searches while roaming in the region.

Referring now to FIG. 8 there illustrated is an example method 800 thatfacilitates controlling a frequency of network identifier scans in aVPLMN, according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. In an aspect,method 800 can be implemented (partially or completely) by a UE that iscoupled to a visitor network. At 802, scan control data is received froma home network device in response to the UE registering with the visitorcarrier network deployed in a country (or region) wherein carriernetworks utilize multiple network identifiers (e.g., PLMN IDs). At 804,the scan control data can be stored on the SIM/USIM card (e.g., withinan OPLMNAct file). At 806, serving cell information can be determined.For example, on connection to a visitor network (or at most any othertime), the UE can provide the serving cell information (e.g., servingPLMN, LAC/TAC, Cell ID, serving RAT messages, etc.) to the SIM/USIMcard. At 808, the serving cell information can be compared with the scancontrol data (e.g., by employing a roaming control application).Further, at 810, a frequency of high priority network identifiersearches can be controlled based on a result of the comparison. Forexample, HPPLMN searches can be enabled or disabled based on the resultof the comparison.

At 812, updated scan control data can be received, for example from thehome network device. As an example, the scan control data can be updatedbased on network provider preferences, policies, and/or serviceagreements. At 814, the scan control data on the SIM/USIM can be updatedbased on the updated scan control data. The method can continue tocontrol high priority network identifier searches based on the updatedscan control data.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 that controls HPPLMN searchesin a VPLMN, according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. In anaspect, method 900 can be implemented (partially or completely) by UICCapplication(s) of a UE. At 902, serving cell information can bedetermined. As an example, the serving cell information can comprise,but is not limited to, serving PLMN, LAC/TAC, Cell ID, serving RATmessages, etc. At 904, the serving cell information is compared withscan control data (e.g., a scan control table corresponding to theserving cell RAT) stored on the UICC. At 906, it can be determinedwhether the serving cell information matches the scan control data(e.g., whether the serving PLMN matches a PLMN ID listed in the scancontrol table). If determined that the serving cell information matchesthe scan control data, then at 908, HPPLMN searches can be disabled.Alternatively, if determined that the serving cell information does notmatch the scan control data, then at 910, HPPLMN searches can be enabledand the UE can continue to periodically scan for PLMNs that have ahigher priority than the serving PLMN.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate example flow diagrams 1000 and 1500 forcontrolling HPPLMN searches in visitor networks. It is noted that theUE102, roaming control applet 202, and UICC 212 can include respectivefunctionality, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto systems 100-200. Example flow diagram 1000 facilitates disablingHPPLMN searches. At 1, a SIM toolkit (STK) event download message can besent from UE 102 to the UICC 212 and at 2, the UICC 212 can forward theSTK event download message to the roaming control applet 202. In oneaspect, the roaming control applet 202 can determine the accesstechnology information. At 3 and 4, the access technology informationcan be provided to the UE 102 via the UICC 212. At 5, the UE 102 canprovide the serving access technology data (e.g., access technology ofthe serving cell) to the UICC 212, which in turn can forward the servingaccess technology data to the roaming control applet 202 (at 6).Further, at 7, the roaming control applet 202 can read the correct scancontrol table (e.g., scan control table 106) (e.g., selected based onthe access technology of serving cell). Furthermore, the roaming controlapplet 202 can compare the serving access technology data (e.g., servingcell PLMN) with LAC/TACs within an appropriate scan control table (e.g.,scan control table 106). If a match is found and a search timer (e.g.,read from the UICC at 8) is not already set to “0,” then at 9, theroaming control applet 202 sets the search timer to “0”. If the searchtimer is already “0” then the roaming control applet 202 does nothing.In this example scenario, the search timer to “0” (at 9) andaccordingly, at 10-11, the roaming control applet 202 notifies the UE102 that the value of the search timer has been changed. At 12-13, theUE 102 reads the search timer value and on determining that the searchtimer is set to “0”, the UE 102 can disable HPPLMN rescans. At 14-15,the UE 102 sends a refresh OK response to the roaming control applet202.

Example flow diagram 1500 facilitates enabling HPPLMN searches. At 1, aSIM toolkit (STK) event download message can be sent from UE 102 to theUICC 212 and at 2, the UICC 212 can forward the STK event downloadmessage to the roaming control applet 202. In one aspect, the roamingcontrol applet 202 can determine the access technology information. At 3and 4, the access technology information can be provided to the UE 102via the UICC 212. At 5, the UE 102 can provide the serving accesstechnology data (e.g., access technology of the serving cell) to theUICC 212, which in turn can forward the serving access technology datato the roaming control applet 202 (at 6). Further, at 7, the roamingcontrol applet 202 can read the correct scan control table (e.g., scancontrol table 106) (e.g., selected based on the access technology ofserving cell). Furthermore, the roaming control applet 202 can comparethe serving access technology data (e.g., serving cell PLMN) withLAC/TACs within an appropriate scan control table (e.g., scan controltable 106). If a match is not found and a search timer (e.g., read fromthe UICC at 8) is not already set to “N” (where N is most any naturalnumber), then at 9, the roaming control applet 202 sets the search timerto “N”. If the search timer is already “N” then the roaming controlapplet 202 does nothing. In this example scenario, the search timer to“N” (at 9) and accordingly, at 10-11, the roaming control applet 202notifies the UE 102 that the value of the search timer has been changed.At 12-13, the UE 102 reads the search timer value and on determiningthat the search timer is set to “N”, the UE 102 can enable HPPLMNrescans. At 14-15, the UE 102 sends a refresh OK response to the roamingcontrol applet 202.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a block diagram of a UE1100 that facilitates a controlling HPPLMN scans to conserve batterylife in accordance with the subject specification. UE 1100 can besubstantially similar to UE 102 and can include respectivefunctionality, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto systems 100-200. In one aspect, the UE 1100 can include a processor1102 for controlling all onboard operations and processes. A memory 1104can interface to the processor 1102 for storage of data and one or moreapplications 1106 being executed by the processor 1002. A communicationscomponent 1108 can interface to the processor 1102 to facilitatewired/wireless communication with external systems (e.g., network datastorage, cloud network devices, etc.). The communications component 1108can interface to a location component 1118 (e.g., GPS transceiver) thatcan facilitate location detection of the UE 1100.

The UE 1100 can include a display 1110 (e.g., screen and/or touchscreen) for displaying the media objects, received content (and/orcontent to be transferred) and/or for displaying text informationrelated to operating and using the device features. A serial I/Ointerface 1112 is provided in communication with the processor 1102 tofacilitate serial communication (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) via ahardwire connection. Audio capabilities are provided with an audio I/Ocomponent 1114, which can include a speaker for the output of audiosignals related to, for example, the audio files, recorded data ortelephony voice data, and a microphone for inputting voice signals forrecording and/or telephone conversations.

Further, the UE 1100 can include a slot interface 1116 for accommodatinga UICC 1130 (e.g., a SIM or USIM card). The UICC 1030 can besubstantially similar to UICC 212 and can include respectivefunctionality, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto system 200. In an aspect, the UICC 1030 can comprise the roamingcontrol applet 202 that controls HPPLMN searches. According to anaspect, the roaming control applet 202 can enable or disable HPPLMNsearches based on scan control data received from the UE 1100′s homenetwork provider. The roaming control applet 202 can include respectivefunctionality, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto system 200. Firmware 1120 is also provided to store and provide tothe processor 1102 startup and operational data. The UE 1100 can alsoinclude a media capture component 1122 such as a camera and/or a videodecoder 1124 for decoding encoded multimedia content. Further, the UE1100 can include a power source 1126 in the form of batteries, whichpower source 1126 interfaces to an external power system or chargingequipment via a power I/O component 1128.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1202 operable to execute the disclosed communicationarchitecture. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsof the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 12 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 1200 in which the various aspects of thespecification can be implemented. While the specification has beendescribed above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the specification also can be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media cancomprise, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/ornon-transitory media which can be used to store desired information.Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 12, the example environment 1200 forimplementing various aspects of the specification comprises a computer1202, the computer 1202 comprising a processing unit 1204, a systemmemory 1206 and a system bus 1208. As an example, the component(s),application(s) server(s), equipment, system(s), interface(s),gateway(s), controller(s), node(s), engine(s) and/or device(s) (e.g., UE102, home-network management component 104, OTA data reception component204, network scan control component 210, UE 1000, etc.) disclosed hereinwith respect to systems 100-200, and 1000 can each comprise at least aportion of the computer 1202. The system bus 1208 couples systemcomponents including, but not limited to, the system memory 1206 to theprocessing unit 1204. The processing unit 1204 can be any of variouscommercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and othermulti-processor architectures can also be employed as the processingunit 1204.

The system bus 1208 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1206comprises read-only memory (ROM) 1210 and random access memory (RAM)1212. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1210 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1202, such as during startup. The RAM 1212 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1202 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1214, which internal hard disk drive 1214 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 1216, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette1218) and an optical disk drive 1220, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1222or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such asthe DVD). The hard disk drive 1214, magnetic disk drive 1216 and opticaldisk drive 1220 can be connected to the system bus 1208 by a hard diskdrive interface 1224, a magnetic disk drive interface 1226 and anoptical drive interface 1228, respectively. The interface 1224 forexternal drive implementations comprises at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Otherexternal drive connection technologies are within contemplation of thesubject disclosure.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1202, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removableoptical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that other types of storage media which are readableby a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, solid-state disks (SSD), cartridges, and the like, can also beused in the example operating environment, and further, that any suchstorage media can contain computer-executable instructions forperforming the methods of the specification.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1212,comprising an operating system 1230, one or more application programs1232, other program modules 1234 and program data 1236. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1212. It is appreciated that the specification can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1202 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1238 and/or apointing device, such as a mouse 1240 or a touchscreen or touchpad (notillustrated). These and other input devices are often connected to theprocessing unit 1204 through an input device interface 1242 that iscoupled to the system bus 1208, but can be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a gameport, a USB port, an IR interface, etc. A monitor 1244 or other type ofdisplay device is also connected to the system bus 1208 via aninterface, such as a video adapter 1246.

The computer 1202 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1248. The remotecomputer(s) 1248 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1202, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1250 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1252 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1254. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1202 isconnected to the local network 1252 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1256. The adapter 1256 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1252, which canalso comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 1256.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1202 cancomprise a modem 1258, or is connected to a communications server on theWAN 1254, or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 1254, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1258, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1208 via the serial port interface 1242. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1202, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1250. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1202 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g.,desktop and/or portable computer, server, communications satellite, etc.This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies orother communication technologies. Thus, the communication can be apredefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “data store,” data storage,”“database,” “cache,” and substantially any other information storagecomponent relevant to operation and functionality of a component, referto “memory components,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or componentscomprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memorycomponents, or computer-readable storage media, described herein can beeither volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise bothvolatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and notlimitation, nonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRDRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof a computing environment 1300 in accordance with the subjectspecification. The system 1300 comprises one or more client(s) 1302. Theclient(s) 1302 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices).

The system 1300 also comprises one or more server(s) 1304. The server(s)1304 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1304 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the specification, for example. Onepossible communication between a client 1302 and a server 1304 can be inthe form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or morecomputer processes. The data packet may comprise a cookie and/orassociated contextual information, for example. The system 1300comprises a communication framework 1306 (e.g., a global communicationnetwork such as the Internet, cellular network, etc.) that can beemployed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 1302 and theserver(s) 1304.

Communications can be facilitated via a wired (comprising optical fiber)and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1302 are operatively connectedto one or more client data store(s) 1308 that can be employed to storeinformation local to the client(s) 1302 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1304 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1310 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1304.

What has been described above comprises examples of the presentspecification. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methods for purposes ofdescribing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in theart may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of thepresent specification are possible. Accordingly, the presentspecification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modificationsand variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user equipment, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: in responseto determining that the user equipment is roaming within an area wherevisitor network devices of visitor networks utilize different networkidentifiers in different portions of the area, determining scan controldata that comprises information representing a group of the differentnetwork identifiers, wherein the group of the different networkidentifiers comprises a network identifier having a highest rank withina portion of the different portions; and based on the scan control data,controlling a frequency of scans for a target cell identifier of thedifferent network identifiers that has a higher rank than that of aserving cell identifier of the different network identifiers.
 2. Theuser equipment of claim 1, wherein the determining the scan control datacomprises receiving the scan control data from a home network device ofa home network.
 3. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the receivingcomprises receiving the scan control data via an over-the-air message.4. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the operations furthercomprise: storing the scan control data within a universal integratedcircuit card of the user equipment.
 5. The user equipment of claim 1,wherein the determining that the user equipment is roaming within thearea comprises determining that the user equipment has registered with avisitor public land mobile network identifier associated with the area.6. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: facilitating a comparison of the serving cell identifier andthe group of the different network identifiers of the scan control data,and wherein the controlling is based on a result of the comparison. 7.The user equipment of claim 6, wherein the controlling comprisesdisabling the scans in response to determining, based on the result,that the serving cell identifier matches an identifier of the group ofthe different network identifiers of the scan control data.
 8. The userequipment of claim 6, wherein the controlling comprises enabling thescans in response to determining, based on the result, that the servingcell identifier does not match any identifier of the group of thedifferent network identifiers of the scan control data.
 9. The userequipment of claim 1, wherein the group of different network identifierscomprises different public land mobile network identifiers.
 10. Amethod, comprising: determining, by a system comprising a processor,that a user equipment has registered with a visitor network device of avisitor network of visitor networks deployed in a country that utilizemultiple network identifiers nationwide; and in response to thedetermining, facilitating, by the system, a transmission of scan controldata to the user equipment, wherein the scan control data is employableto control a frequency of searches, performed by the user equipment, fordetecting a first network identifier of the multiple network identifiersthat has been assigned a higher priority than a second networkidentifier of the multiple network identifiers that is associated with acell serving the user equipment.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thefacilitating comprises facilitating the transmission via an over-the-airmessage.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: based onpriority data indicative of respective priorities of the multiplenetwork identifiers and location data indicative of respective areas ofthe country where the multiple network identifiers are broadcast,determining, by the system, the scan control data.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: instructing, by the system, the userequipment to disable the searches based on the scan control data. 14.The method of claim 12, further comprising: instructing, by the system,the user equipment to enable the searches based on the scan controldata.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: directing, by thesystem, priority data to the user equipment, wherein the priority datacomprises a ranked list of the multiple network identifiers.
 16. Amachine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructionsthat, when executed by a processor of a user equipment, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: receiving priority dataindicative of a ranking of network identifiers of visitor carriernetworks, wherein the priority data is employable to couple the userequipment with a first access point device associated with a firstidentifier of the network identifiers that is determined to have a firstranking that satisfies a defined criterion; and receiving scan controldata that is employable to disable scanning for a signal from a secondaccess point device associated with a second identifier of the networkidentifiers that is determined to have a second ranking that is higherthan the first ranking.
 17. The machine-readable storage medium of claim16, wherein the scan control data comprises range data indicative of adefined range of area codes associated with the visitor carriernetworks, and wherein the defined range of area codes are associatedwith respective network identifiers of the network identifiers that aredetermined to have a highest priority in a specified area.
 18. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: in response to determining that the user equipment iscoupled to the first access point device, determining an area codeassigned to the first access point device; comparing the area code tothe defined range of area codes; and in response to determining, basedon the comparing, that the area code is within the defined range of areacodes, disabling a scan for the signal.
 19. The machine-readable storagemedium of claim 18, wherein the operations further comprise: in responseto determining, based on a result of the comparing, that the area codeis not within the defined range of area codes, initiating the scan forthe signal.
 20. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 16, whereinthe network identifiers are public land mobile network identifiers.